Morning Briefing: Three Full Months Without Baseball Begins

By John Jackson

Good morning Mets fans! The playoffs, World Series and month of October are all now behind us. Friday marks the first day of November, and thus the first day of three full months without baseball. However, before you know it, the middle of February will come and pitchers and catchers will be reporting to spring training. In the meantime, keep up with all the offseason buzz here at MetsMerized.

Latest Mets News

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Mets have eliminated Tim Bogar from their managerial search. Derek Shelton, Eduardo Perez, Pat Murphy and Carlos Beltran are all still in the running.

Mike Puma of the New York Post mentioned that A.J. Hinch has been telling people that there’s a “zero percent” chance he becomes the Mets next manager.

Zack Wheeler, Todd Frazier, Luis Avilan, Brad Brach, Rajai Davis and Rene Rivera all became free agents at 9:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday. However, the Mets have until Monday to offer Wheeler a $17.8 million qualifying offer.

The Mets also have until Monday to either buyout Juan Lagares‘ team option for $500,000 or pick up his $9 million option.

Citi Field will be hosting the “Hello Panda Festival” from Dec. 6, 2019 to Jan. 26, 2020.

Former Mets minor leaguer Kevin Taylor retired from baseball as reported by MMO‘s own Michael Mayer.

Latest MLB News

Evan Drellich of The Athletic reported that in early October, MLB proposed a deadline for any player signing a multi-year deal in free agency. However, the proposal was shot down by the MLBPA due to the impact it would have on leverage and salaries.

The Kansas City Royals named Mike Matheny as their new manager.

Gerrit Cole tweeted out a thank you message to Houston Astros fans a day after losing the World Series to the Washington Nationals.

Yasmani Grandal will decline his $16 million option with the Milwaukee Brewers and the Royals will decline Alex Gordon‘s $23 million option (and hope to bring him back at a lower rate), according to Heyman.

The New York Yankees announced that they declined Edwin Encarnación’s $20 million option. Additionally, the Yankees mentioned that Aaron Hicks’s right UCL reconstruction surgery occurred on Wednesday and went as expected.

The Diamondbacks announced that they declined Wilmer Flores‘ $6 million option and T.J. McFarland‘s $1.85 million option. Additionally, the D-backs outrighted Abraham Almonte and Robby Scott to Triple-A Reno.

Matt Herges will be the Arizona Diamondbacks’ next pitching coach according to Nick Piecoro of azcentral.com.

Yu Darvish will not opt out of the four years and $81 million remaining on his contract with the Chicago Cubs and Kenley Jansen will not opt out of the two years and $38 million remaining on his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Heyman.

The Cincinnati Reds will pick up Freddy Galvis‘ $5.5 million option and the Pittsburgh Pirates will pick up both Starling Marte‘s $11.5 million option and Chris Archer‘s $8.25 million option, according to Heyman.

The Texas Rangers acquired Welington Castillo and international slot compensation from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor leaguer Jonah McReynolds, according to John Blake, the Executive Vice President of Communications for the Rangers. However, the Rangers are expected to decline Castillo’s $8 million option, along with Nate Jones‘ $5.15 million option and Shawn Kelley‘s $2.5 million option, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Latest NL East News

The Miami Marlins will decline Starlin Castro‘s $16 million option according to Heyman.

The Atlanta Braves will decline Billy Hamilton‘s $7.5 million option according to Heyman.

The Philadelphia Phillies will decline Pat Neshek‘s $7 million option according to Heyman.

The Phillies hired Bryan Price as their new pitching coach.

Latest on MMO/MMN

Joe D. explained where the Mets stand in terms of payroll when factoring in guaranteed contracts, non-guaranteed contracts, arbitration projections and Lagares’ team option.

Matt Musico discussed four reasons why the Mets are entering a crucial offseason.

Pat Ragazzo wrote an “MMO Free Agent Profile” on Jake Odorizzi.

Christopher Soto recapped the performances of Harol Gonzalez and Arismendy Alcantara in the Dominican Winter League.